Re: 17" or 18" wheels (archive)

Either one will look good, but consider this. BMW didn't use anything larger than 16" wheels on your car. My mechanic (BMP Autohaus in Denver) and Circle BMW both advised me to stick with 16"s as the force of impacts to the already stressed control arm bushings is greatly increased causing them to wear faster, giving you the infamous front end shimmy. 17"s or 18"s with lower profile tires transmit much more of the impact to the suspension. The ride will also be firmer, which is of course not always a bad thing. I want from 16" factory Fuchs on my '85 911 to 17" 993 wheels with 45 series front tires and 40s in the rear, and it made a HUGE difference, which on that car is great. I don't want my 525 to ride that harsh though. 16"s will also be more economical.
I'm not trying to talk you out of either, but just wanted to share what I have learned struggling with the same question.
After seeing the pictures of Drew Zacharda's blue
535 with 16" Mille Miglia MM11s, that's what I just ordered from TireRack, and will lower my car this spring.
Sorry to go on and on. Hope this helps.
P.S. Search the archives for pics of Drew's car and go to rowlan.com/bmw/ for a bunch of e34 pics.
i am torn between getting 17" and 18" wheels
what are others' opinions?????

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